Messi stays at Barça, but now? The risks of a year of being separated at home

The Blaugrana people breathed a sigh of relief. Messi has decided to stay in Catalonia and Barça has thus avoided the traumatic farewell to his idol. But now, what will happen at the Camp Nou? What season will be the one that will see the Flea in the separated costume at home? Although the Argentine has assured that he will always give the best of himself and will do everything possible to bring new titles to the Blaugrana showcase, in the name of personal ambition and love for the shirt, now a scenario full of unknowns opens with which Messi and the El universe culé will inevitably have to coexist for the next ten months.

RISKS AND CONFLICTS BEHIND THE CORNER

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As much as he reaffirmed his love for Barça, the truth is that Messi had decided to leave. The struggle with management in a bid for freedom will leave its mark, at the risk of generating speculation and speculation at the first moderate performance or after some disappointing result. The Flea could find itself under scrutiny at the first spot or slightest mistake, a situation never before experienced. If until yesterday he represented the lighthouse and the life preserver in every moment of difficulty, the Argentine champion could suddenly end up in the crosshairs, indicated as the main cause of future failures. From idol and deity to scapegoat, the step can be very short. Aware that Messi remained reluctant, the press and fans would not hesitate to give him up. Not to mention a leadership, headed by President Bartomeu (the Flea’s sworn enemy), who would feel comfortable handling any discontent around the player to cover up and mask his faults.

FRAGILE DRESSING ROOM

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In the end, Messi will find himself in a minefield. Even that wardrobe that until yesterday was his undisputed reign runs the risk of becoming hostile territory. In his long outburst, La Pulga also spoke of “false friends”, generating the suspicion that something has been broken even with some colleagues. In this sense, the deafening silence with which the dressing room has witnessed the push and pull of the last ten days should not be underestimated. No message of support for the Argentine, no position, even if it is veiled. The only ones who hinted that they were on his side were Suárez, with whom he continued to see almost every day, and Vidal, who posted cryptic messages on social media when, however, he was already sure that he would abandon ship. On the contrary, the silences of senators like Piqué and Ter Stegen shout, while Rakitic launched broadside the day after having removed the uproar, implying that he was marginalized for not being part of La Pulga’s circle of friends. Then there are those who have never established a particular feeling with Messi, especially Griezmann and Dembélé, to whom Koeman intends to give a leading role. In short, the costumes will remain in a precarious balance, with the risk of becoming a time bomb about to explode at the first difficulties. Messi will also have to be prepared for this eventuality.